Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Is Pinterest Hurting Or Helping Bloggers?

I love Pinterest, and it is probably safe to say that I am slightly addicted to pinning. I love the ease of finding beautiful images. I enjoy perusing Pinterest to find beautiful images for my own personal use, or to use in a blog post that I think my readers might enjoy.

While perusing I often see fellow bloggers pinning some of the same images that I do. We also pin each other's pins. I don’t have a problem with this at all. I figure share and share alike. It is fun to see what spin fellow bloggers will take from the same image that maybe I have pinned. As a blogger I also love the convenience of pinning with the credit to the proper link attached.

One thing I thought of the other day is………. Since the images are so readily available is it, or will it start affecting our blog traffic? Will readers just go straight to Pinterest instead of coming to our blogs?

I know it is so much easier just to scan over images than it is to read the dialogue that goes along with images. On Pinterest there is hardly any reading that has to take place so if you have a few minutes in your day it is a great place to see wonderful images.

The other problem that I can see occurring is it does give our Pinterest followers a preview of what we will be using in our upcoming blog post. For instance if you go to my Fallish pin-board you will see many of the images I have used in my past few post. Is this going to take the surprise or the anticipation of what our next post will be for our readers?

44 comments:

Ok Kathysue now you have me thinking. I haven't jumped on the Pinterest train yet, so should I stay away? Be careful what you wish for? Humm.......good points you raised here! Perhaps one day for us newbies, you can do a post on just how Pinterest works. As I found the idea of a blog foreign and intimidating 8 short months ago, I feel this way about Pinterest but clearly there are some amazing things going on over there as everyone seems to have Pinterest fever!!I think most loyal followers will continue to follow a blog because (and I can only speak for myself) I get so much more out of the blogs I follow than pretty pictures, its that persons perspective I enjoy hearing and learning about, as well as following them on a personal level. Great post and very thought provoking!

Great post ... I'm addicted, too! For me, blogging isn't just about getting or giving inspiration ... it's about the friendships I've formed with so many fabulous people, too, that I can't wait to see what everyone has done or changed in their homes on a daily basis. Hopefully, others feel the same way and would continue to *follow* others' blogs, not just rely on Pinterest. I'm truly flattered that there are many pics of my home that have been pinned on Pinterest; and, because credit has been given to my blog, I think it might actually "bring" folks to our blogs. Just a thought ...

Hi Kathysue,I find that Pinterest is okay when I have lots of extra time. But, I would rather spend my time reading blogs. I think the friendships and relationships developed through blogging adds that personal touch that isn't there with pinning. I like knowing that someone (a blogger) has taken the time to share something with us, such as a photo they have taken of their home and tell us a story to go along with it.

I like Pinterist but I don't use there images at all for blog posts.And just for the reason you said.I think using your own is more interesting and original even if they aren't always as pretty. Good post. Cindy

Hi Kathysue, I'm a new reader and fellow blogger. my favorite blogs are the ones that have commentary. I like to get a designer's insight on the picture or arrangement and I like the personal side of it. I'm not at all interested in the blogs that just post pictures that they like especially now that it's all coming from pintrest and it's all the same. So for me, Pinterest is helping my favorite bloggers find the photos to write great posts :)

I love Pinterest; it makes finding beautiful inspiration pictures so much easier. I do think it might at least temporarily impact the amount of traffic that we see on our blogs but I'm okay with that. My blog is just a hobby for me.

Kathysue:Funny, I have been wondering about this too. I have to say, I don't put any pictures on my Pinterest boards that I will be using in posts....almost never. And I don't do it for that very reason that people will just go there, and not to my blog. I don't want a "sneak preview" going on. Instead, I use Evernote. Love it. And it's private!

Good post. As you know, we often pin the same images, but I often don't pin something because I know that it's more "you", and I don't want to compete on images with you. If I love it, I pin it anyway, because chances are, we'll use it in a different way. I will also save some images without pinning, so it won't be so over exposed. I really think Pinterest will impact blogging...maybe not for the worse, but I'm seeing some subtle changes in blogging anyway...don't know if it has anything to do with Pinterest or not, but I think change is a'comin'!

Hi Kathysue,There are some viewers that simply scan the pictures in blog posts without reading the attached article, and perhaps Pinterest will become a preferred sight for them.For those of us who thoroughly enjoy reading (as well as writing our own) blog posts, Pinterest and blogs are two distinct sources for inspiration.Researching and compiling images is only a small part of creating a blog post. It's the insight, creativity and talent of the blog writer that creates a truly brilliant design site.I haven't been on Pinterest, even though I've been tempted by what I've read about it. I spend far too much time reading blogs and working on my own design stories as it is! It's an addiction!Have a lovely day, Kathysue!~ Wendi ~

After being nudged by several friends, and a need to keep up with things, My daughter set up an account for me, so when I received support form friends, here I am.I can now say that I am addicted to Pinterest. We will see how long it last. So far, it has helped my traffic. I believe that people visit blogs for the personal touch.Have a great day, Kathysue.Teresaxoxo

I keep forgetting about Pinterest, Kathysue. I should really go there, now and then, and do some pinning. I've done a little bit, but just haven't taken time to really get into it. Perhaps over winter, when things settle down a tad.

Kathysue, I love that you addressed this. I signed up for Pinterest (how do you pronounce it anyway?) but haven't used it. For better or worse, I use my own mediocre photos (I am getting better). Pinterest seems great if it sources for you...one reason I don't use my own files is that the years of magazine tear sheets are not sourced. And I have a horrible scanner. How do people get such great scans out of books? I am all questions and no answers.

This is exactly why I don't ask people to follow me on Pinterest. A lot of people who are already Pinterest users, who I kind of assume don't read a lot of blogs (?), follow on their own. But I'd rather have people follow the other ways, so I have kept the Pinterest logo off my site. As far as for posting, I love to pin every photo in my posts so at the end I can just put one photo credit that takes readers to the Pinterest board...which lists the photo's original source. A lot of blog writers cite other blogs for their photos, and I'm sure I'm guilty of this myself, but it isn't really fair to the designer, magazine, etc. Which brings up a whole other ball of wax...proper citation and credit!Stacy

Kathysue,you've brought up a good point. I've found Pinterest fascinating because it's giving me a little peek into what other people like. I'm interested in which of my pins are repinned--that tells me what's popular. As a Realtor I need to know. I do pin pictures that I plan to use in future blog posts but since I've just recently started using Pinterest, I don't know if it'll help or hurt. I hope I attract blog readers. Sorry for the rambling comment.

To me the most interesting blogs are the ones where people post projects, ideas, interests, etc based on their own creativity. Just recycling pictures could become very boring. The personal connect is important to me.

I love it because you use it so wisely. I was not even aware of it until I read your blog. I take my own photos for my blog so it is a real treat to see how you use it. On one post a commenter declared she was "pinning" my images. I took it as a huge compliment. It is wonderful tool.

Good questions Kathysue.I love pinterest! I find blogs and pinterest to be two very different entities. Blogging is much more personel and lends perspective and pinterest is like an all you can eat visual buffet. Great for inspiration but lacking in the warmth that a blog can convey.

Funny I've never used images from pinterest in my blog posts, but like Becca I've been thrilled to pieces to find my images on pinterest. And I know it's brought me a new follower or two....So I say there's room for both...It's all good! *winks* Vanna

Such great points you bring up about Pinterest - by the way I've really enjoyed seeing your pins and yes, I do repin some of them because you have a different "route" than I do of pinning which I enjoy. I like to see different sources that people are pinning from and that is a nice resource. I am also pretty selective about who I follow. I try to follow those people who I know I will really enjoy what they pin and that we share some of the same interests (ya know, design, decor, all that good stuff). I usually don't plan my post around photos I have just pinned. I typically pin and then see where it takes me if that makes sense. You know, we all just need to get in one big room and talk about all of this stuff ;) We all have great points and questions. Great post!!

I forgot to mention that I do enjoy pretty, pleasing photos, but I read mainly for content. A writer can post as many photos as they want, but if the content isn't there then I'm usually a bit deterred.

I love pinterest, and so enjoy it when I just want to peruse beautiful images, but I could never stop my blog visits. Love the personal interaction and following the room redos, houses being built etc., but such a great post.

I just can't get into Pinterest. I like the connection of blogging-the feeling that you are really getting to know the person...that they are more than just a picture of their sofa or the vignette they create.

And,maybe it is because I don't want to get addicted to just surfing for pictures of "pretties". I want to see the person that put the pretties together. Great post- xo Diana

I have been thinking the same thing. I notice when I log on to Pinterest, they show me what pins the people I follow are pinning. Therefore, I already knew you were going to write a post on throws! I'm sure it goes with everyone who is a blogger and pinning! I have been wondering if it is hurting or helping bloggers. I think if you are not a blogger, it is a way to get your ya-yas out--you know seeing all the beautiful images.Afterall, we are all visual. And Pinterest appeals to that sense! I have not been pinning as much as I did at first. Simply because I don't want anyone to know what I have up my sleeve for a future post. Actually, I pin, just for fun. Sometimes, I forget to check my pins when doing a post. I am posting about alfresco dining tomorrow and actually forgot that that was a board I had been adding to. Still, Pinterest is the bomb!

I hadn't thought about it like that, so you bring up a good point. It didn't really occur to me that it would be easier going to Pinterest than coming to my blog, but I guess readers know that you have done the filtering on Pinterest and selected the best and most appropriate photos, that apply to the post and that are representative of your style and blog image. I love Pinterest as a helping hand with my blog images and as a resource for myself for so many other things. I guess time will tell what impact it really has.

Interesting discussion Kathysue. I am absolutely addicted to pinterest. I love to browse through for inspiration, but I try to limit the images I use to one's that I have not seen pinned 100 times.

I think it is an incredible tool for when I am working with a client on an e-design or blog design. It is helpful to browse through their pins to get a better understanding/feeling for their style, patterns they like, color preferences, etc.

I don't think it will take the place of reading blogs, I think most blogger's really like a sense of community to that is built around blogging and that is not found on pinterest.

I have thought that too... I use tumblr as well and won't post my images to my tumblr until after I have used them in a post. It is tough to come by images that haven't been around the block so to speak. xo

As a designer and a blogger I have avoided pinterest because I simply dont have the time. But I agree with those who say they prefer a blogger/designer's opinion vs. a blog full of pretty pictures.

I have noticed for a while that the same photos appear on blogs all the time be it from pinterest, an online mag etc. I prefer unique pictures that come from true research, not a photo site of someone's.

I also agree that blogging is changing but for the better. Gone are all those blogs that were really just a diary and appearing are more substantial design blogs with usable information, interesting stories etc. and I personally enjoy the change.

You know, it is funny....I love Pinterest but I really use it more as a file box for myself. I will say I was gathering images for a post one day and a bunch of followers repinned them and I sortof thought....hmmmm should I still do the post. I, personally, wouldn't give up blog reading for pinterest. On Pinterest if I am browsing I will search a specific term....I don't really go in and look at specific people's pins. I sortof feel like we see a lot of the same images on blogs already....so Pinterest may make this easier but I don't think any more so than a Decorpad or other related site.

I like you am a bit addicted to Pinterest and use alot of their images in my blog post. While I know that many of the images on Pinterest will show up on many blogs, it's the words I write about the images and the story I tell on my blog that give them my own unique spin. I know that my readers love the images I show, but it's what I write that keeps them coming back. If you have something interesting and inspiring to share on your blog, using images from Pinterest shouldn't be a problem. p.s. I started relying heavily on Pinterest after I got a major computer virus searching for images via google. No more google for me.

I hope I dont get in trouble saying this but, I've gone to pinterest 3 times now and spent LESS time , each time. I see an image I realy like- well, I Liked the first 236 times I saw it:( after that I start thinking, maybe I dont like it afterall. I dont think I'll be going back. I like my blog pals and enjoy their commentary as much as their photos.. Thanks for opening this conversation. It was interesting reading the responces.

Oh that was exactly my first thought when I joined Pinterest! My take is this: As the information (in this case, images) become more readily available, it's up to us bloggers to make an interesting story around these images. The harder it gets, the fiercer the competition and we just have to work harder and become better bloggers to keep the reader's attention. --> Even though you've see it all, someone comes along and points out something special about them, or put them together in an interesting way, and it becomes new again... Okay I suck at explaining things, but at least I tried haha!!

Thank you for bringing it up, I loved reading all the comments on this post!!

Hi Kathysue! I hope you are doing well out there in sunny CA. This is a great topic. I have yet to explore Pinterest. I simply don't have the time. I have to say, too, that in what little reading I've been doing the past few months, it seems that so many images are sourced from there. I do read some blogs for pretty pictures, but I really love original content. I don't like seeing the same images from blog to blog. That may be more a symptom of so many design blogs more than the Pinterest issue, who knows. Anyway, I agree with the comments about blogging for the friendships I've developed. There is nothing like it, and it has come from reading, not skimming for pictures. Pinterest hasn't gotten to me yet. And hearing there's no copy, well, that makes me think I'll stay an old-fashioned blogger! :)

Hey, Kathysue! Good discussion. As for me, Pinterest has become my #1 site referrer back to my blog, I so can't complain. Whenever I do a new post, I can go over & see my photos pinned all over, so I like it for that aspect. I am now watermarking most of my photos just to make sure they are attributed properly. I do mostly my own pics in my posts, so want to make sure I am credited. I hardly ever use photos from other sources, not that often anyway, other than my Feature Fridays or a few things along the way. Pinterest is a lot of fun, not sure what I will do with all those photos I'm pinning but there are some gorgeous photos out there.

Hey, so you are really close to Petaluma? I didn't realize that, was thinking you were down towards LA. We are going to the Petaluma antiques fair on Sunday, you are welcome to come and join us if you'd like. It would be fun to meet you!

hi Kathysue! Good topic... I don't do Pinterest as I don't have a Facebook account, but I do have many of my house photos pinned there. I have no problem with that except for when people misquote what is actually in the image. I have also had several situations where I find photos of my home on other blogs without listing my blog as the source of the photo, even though all photos are saved with the original source. That bothers me. Or sometimes they'll credit "Betty Ann's" pinterest with MY photo instead of me.

Interesting thoughts Kathysue! I had not really thought of the possibility that traffic would be reduced because of Pinterest. I guess there is a possibility of this happening! So far I have found an increase in my traffic FROM pinterest, ie. visitors are hopping over to my site after seeing photos pinned from my link. Also, I would hope that we are delivering info (which you ALWAYS do) and putting things together in a more informative way than just seeing pretty pics on Pinterest. I hope I am right!!

This is such a great post. I actually found it via pinterest so I think Pinterest and blogging can actually co-exist and happily work together. I have just started hosting a weekly pinterest linky party where I share my favourite pins from other people's boards along with my favourite song for the week. I could never blog without pins these days but I could also never enjoy just pinning!

I think Pinterest is fabulous and I sincerely hope that it doesn't take anything away from the wonderful content posted by all the lovely bloggers out there.

Wow, I feel like I am in a foreign country because I don't understand anything that is going on here. HahahaI read ALL the comments before mine, and it seems like most people love it. I have never been to the site, and have no idea how it works or what it looks like, but now I am VERY curious. Will have to check it out! I just don't think I would have the time to get into it though. It would probably cut out my Real Housewives of BH viewing time. HahahaXoxoKc

I think Pinterest is an amazing tool for bloggers. It's a way to get more viewers for your blog. Sure, everyone shares pins, but that's how it starts getting you more views. What a fun way to market your blog! Keep up the good work!! :)

Oh, girl--Pinterest led me to your site and I'm now going to be an avid follower. Here's a thought--when I see a new blog attached to a pin I go to the original source and the next thing you know, I've spent hours going through archives learning about cancer treatments, getting pregnant before getting married, faith, organizing--you name it. I have found so many cool sites that I would have never known about, must less gone through ARCHIVES. Think of it as a billboard for you. Thank you for your amazing work. Your new fan!!